Beer Board assesses $1,000 penalty on Thunder Alley for third alcohol sale violation

The Dickson Beer Board assessed a $1,000 civil penalty to Thunder Alley Monday night for its third alcohol sale violation in a five-month period. The bowling alley was cited Nov. 24, 2011, after a 20-year-old DUI suspect told the arresting officer he purchased beer there. Thunder Alley was previously cited for underage sales in undercover sweeps in September 2011 and February 2012 and has already paid $500 and $1,000 penalties. At a Beer Board hearing Monday, Thunder Alley attorney Jack Garton called the evidence “tenuous,” saying there was nothing to corroborate the statements made by 20-year-old Manley Wood of Houston County. “I have doubts about the veracity of the individual,” Garton said. The criminal citation against Thunder Alley employee Deric Lamont Fossie was dismissed, but Assistant District Attorney Ray Crouch has said that was because Wood has moved to Mississippi and could not be located. Crouch said the charge could be reinstated if a subpoena can be served. Dickson Police Sgt. Josh Etheridge said he pulled Wood over on suspicion of DUI and found receipts from Thunder Alley, where Wood said he drank at least six beers. Garton contended the receipts do not specify what was purchased and Thunder Alley records indicate Fossie was not on duty at the time reflected on the receipts. Citing the “obvious discrepancies” in the evidence, Garton asked the board for leniency in determining a penalty. While calling it “disturbing” that the DA’s office didn’t pursue the criminal case, Councilman Mike Legg made the motion to follow police Chief Ricky Chandler’s recommendation to assess a $1,000 penalty. The motion passed 5-1 with Councilman Scott England voting in opposition and councilmen Dwight Haynes and Mike Outlaw abstaining. The board could have suspended Thunder Alley’s beer permit for a minimum of 30 days or assessed a penalty up to $2,500.